Bellingham, WA — Western Washington University Men’s Rugby has announced that it will move to the College Rugby Association of America’s (CRAA) D1A competition, the highest level of collegiate rugby competition in the United States, beginning next season.
The decision comes on the heels of a historic 2025-2026 campaign in which the Vikings captured the CRAA’s D1AA National Championship, capping off a dominant season and signaling the program’s readiness to compete at the sport’s top collegiate level.
“This is a deliberate step forward for our program,” said Adam Roberts, Head Coach. “After winning a national championship, we believe the time is right to challenge ourselves against the best teams in the country. Moving to D1A aligns with our long-term vision for competitive excellence and player development.”
This move reflects Western Washington’s commitment to elevating its level of competition and embracing the demands of top-tier collegiate rugby. D1A features many of the nation’s premier programs and is widely considered the pinnacle of the college game in the United States.
The Vikings’ championship season was defined by disciplined defense, dynamic attack, and strong leadership throughout the roster. That success, combined with sustained program growth, positioned Western Washington to confidently make the transition.
“We see this as an investment in the future of our program,” said Paul Horne, Director of Rugby at WWU. “Competing in D1A will provide our student-athletes with greater opportunities and exposure while pushing us to continue raising our standards on and off the field.”
As Western Washington prepares for its first season at the D1A level, the program will focus on strengthening its competitive depth, expanding recruitment, and adapting to a more rigorous national schedule. Additional details will be announced as finalized.
With a national championship as its foundation and a clear vision ahead, Western Washington University Men’s Rugby is poised to take the next step and compete among the nation’s elite.
About CRAA
The College Rugby Association of America (CRAA) is one of the premier governing bodies for collegiate rugby in the United States, overseeing national championships in both XVs and Sevens formats. CRAA is committed to providing competitive, safe, and meaningful championship pathways for college rugby programs nationwide.
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